Detroit Red Wings fans: Dominik Hasek can't make it as NHL goaltender at 48 years old

AP File PhotosDetroit had to replace Dominik Hasek with Chris Osgood during the Red Wings' 2008 Stanley Cup run, so there's no way even an all-time great goalie could make it in the NHL five years later.

Retirement angst and boredom is almost a certainty with the best professional athletes. After making a lifetime of playing a game – and earning many lifetimes of money for playing a game – it's hard to accept daily life without competition.

Dominik Hasek is no exception.

The former Detroit Red Wings goaltender – better known for his nine years with the Buffalo Sabres – is undoubtedly one of the best to lace up the skates at the position.

He retired from the NHL after the 2008 Stanley Cup-winning season in Detroit, but one year playing for Pardupice HC in the Czech Republic, and last year playing for the KHL's Moscow Spartak.

Just under 44 percent voted "Yes" or "Depends on the situation" when asked if Hasek could still play in the NHL.

"For a goalie I don't think age has as much to do with things," says MLive reader talex. "Especially an absolutely elite level goalie like Dom. If he has over come his groin issue's I see no reason why a team would not pick him up for a backup and or starter in a 2 goalie rotation, I don't think he could handle a full season, but if I had to pick between Conklin and Dom as a backup this season, I would go with Dom (and I like Ty) but Dom would be my choice.

"Even an old Elite level goalie might be a better option than many others in the right scenario."

But hckytwnnorth thinks physical breakdowns would be inevitable given Hasek's current age, as well as his injury history later in his career.

"Sure he can play. But only for a few weeks until that wonky groin of his goes again. That's great that he measures his weight and reaction time to be the same as 10 years ago, but even ten years ago, it was just luck if he made it through a week w/o another groin injury."

The majority of voters – 56 percent – think it's just too much to ask of someone Hasek's age to make a real contribution at the NHL level. Injuries or not, it just won't happen, particularly for the goalie position, which relies so heavily on quick reflexes.

"Even if you’re a biological, genetic freak of nature, by the time you reach 48 years of age your reflexes, timing and agility have succumbed to gravity and the aging process is rooted in all facets of your physiological mechanics," writes CitizenXGen. "Desire can vanish like a fart in the wind when the rigors and training requisite to be an NHL goalie take their toll. Dom’s obvious mid-life crises shouldn’t be deemed serious by any GM.

"Dom will soon be 5 years removed from the time when Osgood had to replace him as 'The Dominator' was physically and mentally taxed and ultimately waved the flag of surrender.

"Unlike Chelios and Howe playing quantum leaps from the Fountain of Youth, a goalies ice time can not be limited. His age and weaknesses would be grossly exploited.

"Do not misconstrue me…Hasek is one of the greatest netminders the third rock from the sun has ever produced; but even this prodigy is human and not immune to the irrepressible hands of time."